Question 1: Is there a way to fix/tighten joints?

Besides the obvious tightening joints with screws, what about joints without screws? Any ideas?

 

Question 2: Any good cleaning solutions out that you would use on your G1 TF? I was thinking about using just rubbing alcohol or something. What about rust removal?

 

Question 3: Part replacements? Is it worth seaching a good clean TF or just repairing damaged ones?

 

Question 4: Any other good ideas to for problems that you might  have to deal with?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I've done lots of repairs so maybe I can help you out here.

 

1. It depends on what needs tightening. if it has a screw, tightening that may work. If the screw is stripped, you may need to replace it. I keep all screws just in case I need extras. If it is a pin, it is likely loose due to the plastic that holds the pin. Replacing that would be idea. Other times parts are loose are if they have ratchet joints. Those are the parts that make that click sound when you move them, most notably in elbows, shoulders, knees, etc. On the inside there are 2 parts that fit into each other that look like gears. These may be worn and need to be replaced as well.

 

2. Rubbing alchohol isn't a good idea since it can take off paint and stickers. I don't have many cleaning tips because most of my TFs never get dirty.

 

3. It depends on the toy. Some toys are abundant and another can be gotten at a good price. My toughest time was finding parts bots for Shockwave and Jetfire. Those, like other toys, tend to break in the same place, so searching for a junker without that part broken can be difficult. For example, usually one of Jetfire's shoulders breaks. I bought 4 Jetfires before I found the parts I needed from it to fix mine. Same with Shockwave, I think I bought 3, mostly because I needed a better wire. Hook always breaks in the same place and so far I haven't been able to find cheap parts bots for Hook that isn't broken there.

 

4. I can't really think of OTHER things but here is this suggestion, although it may be frowned upon by the other collectors. And that is the use of reissues to repair original toys. I have done it. I never use bootlegs though, mostly because of quality but more often because the mold sizes are slightly off.

Question 1: Is there a way to fix/tighten joints?

Besides the obvious tightening joints with screws, what about joints without screws? Any ideas?

 

Question 2: Any good cleaning solutions out that you would use on your G1 TF? I was thinking about using just rubbing alcohol or something. What about rust removal?

 

Question 3: Part replacements? Is it worth seaching a good clean TF or just repairing damaged ones?

 

Question 4: Any other good ideas to for problems that you might  have to deal with?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I've done lots of repairs so maybe I can help you out here.

 

1. It depends on what needs tightening. if it has a screw, tightening that may work. If the screw is stripped, you may need to replace it. I keep all screws just in case I need extras. If it is a pin, it is likely loose due to the plastic that holds the pin. Replacing that would be idea. Other times parts are loose are if they have ratchet joints. Those are the parts that make that click sound when you move them, most notably in elbows, shoulders, knees, etc. On the inside there are 2 parts that fit into each other that look like gears. These may be worn and need to be replaced as well.

 

When do R/C cars, when we would have a hole strip out we would drop a "drop" of CY glue (100x better the super glue) down the hole and replace the screw.  You could still take the screw out.

 

You can always use a drop of Locktight too.

 

2. Rubbing alchohol isn't a good idea since it can take off paint and stickers. I don't have many cleaning tips because most of my TFs never get dirty.

 

I'll use either warm soapy water or a windex type cleaner without ammonia (sp?)

For rust, I've have used "Coke-a-Cola" NOT Pepsi.  Pepsi is too good of a product to be waisted on TF'S!  Okay not really but Coke is stonger at removing rust.

 

Stay away from Navy Jelly for rust on your toys, your toys will go bye-bye via a tearful moment like Primes death/passing of the Matrix.

 

3. It depends on the toy. Some toys are abundant and another can be gotten at a good price. My toughest time was finding parts bots for Shockwave and Jetfire. Those, like other toys, tend to break in the same place, so searching for a junker without that part broken can be difficult. For example, usually one of Jetfire's shoulders breaks. I bought 4 Jetfires before I found the parts I needed from it to fix mine. Same with Shockwave, I think I bought 3, mostly because I needed a better wire. Hook always breaks in the same place and so far I haven't been able to find cheap parts bots for Hook that isn't broken there.

 

4. I can't really think of OTHER things but here is this suggestion, although it may be frowned upon by the other collectors. And that is the use of reissues to repair original toys. I have done it. I never use bootlegs though, mostly because of quality but more often because the mold sizes are slightly off.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I haven't used a re-issued for parts but some k.o. or bootlegs are up there in quality.  Like my prime that I had just got.  If I did not already have a clean G1 prime, I would have swapped out the windshield, tires and head with G1 parts and he would be good enough for government work.  Or you it could go the other route and have all the chrome removed from the bootleg (grill, bumper, fuel tank and smoke stack) and put it on the G1.

:thumb

 

Excellent ideas!